She hailed from a very distant country, <br />Nocturnal child of ancient times; <br />She had no kin to greet her entry <br />Not even skies with a welcome shine. <br /> <br />And just the Neva’s faithful sentry - <br />The sphinx with an indented face - <br />Under the blizzard, fierce and wintry <br />‘s reminiscent of her birthplace. <br /> <br />And when the tempest showers snowflakes <br />Upon her shoulders, hair, and breast, <br />Nocturnal Egypt wakes her heartache <br />In the midst of northern fog and mist. <br /> <br />My hometown, gray and distant, <br />Its wind and chill, and gloom and rain, <br />With faith -- so unexplained and fervent -- <br />She had received as her domain. <br /> <br />She fell in love with regal buildings, <br />At rest in the stillness of the night. <br />And peaceful cozy light in the windows <br />Became one with her inner sight. <br /> <br />She recognized its morning frown, <br />Its mansions, lights, and snowy twirl. <br />This whole unfathomable town, <br />She knew, unfathomable girl.<br /><br />Aleksandr Aleksandrovich Blok<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/snow-maiden-2/
